_ __ _____ __ _ __ ___ ____ _ __ ___ ' ) / / ') / / ) ' ) ) / ) / ' ) ) / ) / / / / / / /--/ / / / ___ / / / / ___ (_(_/ (__/ ( / (_ / (_ (___/ '__/_ / (_ (___/ ' O ____ _ , ___ _ , ___ O o O / ' ) / / ) ' ) / / ' O o O / /-< / /--/ /-- VOLUME 04, ISSUE 021 O o o o o O __/_ / ) (___/ / ( (___, 18 May 1996 O o O O o O K A N O H E D A A N I Y V W I Y A O ( N A T I V E A M E R I C A N N E W S ) This issue contains articles from Chiapas-L, NATCHAT & NATIVE-L listservers; Newsgroups: alt.activism,alt.native,soc.culture.native,rec.arts.books, alt.books.reviews,rec.arts.books.reviews; UUCP & Genie email Articles appearing have been previously posted for public dissemination and/or permission for inclusion has been secured. Letters of authorization are on file. A list of those granting permission to repost their words in this issue are listed at the end of part A. I thank each of you for allowing your words to be shared with the people. <----<<<< >>>>----> This newsletter is a way of keeping the brothers and sisters who share our Spirit informed about current events within the lives of those who walk the Red Road. Thanks to Don Rayment ,don.rayment@uptowne.com, Wotanging Ikche/ Kanoheda Aniyvwiya is being redistributed via a listserver. If you would like to receive Wotanging Ikche via the listserver, you can send a message to listserv@uptowne.com and include, in the body of your message "sub wotanging.ikche " Thanks to Marc Becker and David Cole issues of Wotanging Ikche/ Kanoheda Aniyvwiya are being archived at a World-Wide-Web site. The URL is http://web.maxwell.syr.edu/nativeweb/journals/nanews "They made us many promises, more than I can remember... They never kept but one: They promised to take our land, and they took it!" __ Chief Red Cloud, Oglala +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ | Indian Pledge of Allegiance | The Indian Pledge of Alleg- | | iance was first presented | I pledge allegiance to my Tribe,| on 2 December '93 during the | to the democratic principles | opening address of the Nat- | of the Republic | ional Congress of American | and to the individual freedoms | Indian Tribal-States Relat- | borrowed from the Iroquois and | ions Panel in Reno, NV. NCAI | Choctaw Confederacies, | plans distribution of the | as incorporated in the United | Indian Pledge to all Indian | States Constitution, | Nations. | so that my forefathers | | shall not have died in vain | Walk in Beauty! Night Owl +- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -+ O'siyo Brothers and Sisters! Ask one hundred reasonably well informed people -- even people who consider themselves politically "enlightened" activists what they think of Leonard Peltier -- and most of the time, the response will be "Leonard WHO?" Ask your neighbors, relatives and co-workers. If they say "Leonard WHO", then are you doing what you can for your people? There are Native American Sacred and burial sites all over the country that are unknown even to their closest neighborhoods. Most local folks often don't know they are even near, so developers get away with bulldozing down the medicine plants, the gravestones and altars, and putting up malls, superstores, and fashionable subdivisions. Do you know about these Sacred sites in your backyard? Do your neighbors? If not, are you doing what you can for your people? Peltier has sat in prison far longer than most murderers, even though his prosecutors admit they can't prove he actually killed anyone. If he had been a white Anglo-Saxon Protestant, do you think he'd still be in jail? If he'd been a black man, do you think there'd be a soul in the country who didn't know about him? Who is accountable for this travesty? And who's making sure the world knows of their accountability? Treaties made in full, truthful, good faith are being circumvented or cast aside by elected officials whose accountability ends with the best funded Political Action Committee. One thing is sure -- if those in positions of power within the dominant society do not feel the itch, they see will see no reason to scratch. We do not have a well-heeled Political Action Committee, but we do have our circles and our neighborhoods, and if we do not support our own, then in the end - WE are accountable. Peace! Night Owl , , Gary Night Owl gars@genie.geis.com (*,*) P. O. Box 672168 gars@netcom.com (`-') Marietta, GA 30067, U.S.A. gars@igc.apc.org ===w=w=== ----------- News of the people featured in this issue ---------- Part A: Usenet and e-mail Part B: NATCHAT and NATIVE-L lists - Native Blood and Citizenship - Conferences and Powwows - online - Big Mountain Update - Stop Execution of Yaqui - Miss Indian, USA - Unity - Call for The People - Evolution - Sacred Run Needs Help - New Age or Old Prophecy - NCDM Press Release - New Age or Old Prophecy - Corporations to Rip-Off Indians - Questionnaire: Television Media and NAs - Book Review: Badlands - Poems: My Mom's Poetry - Verse: Hawai'ian Book of Days - Conferences and Powwows - offline --------- "RE: Native Blood and Citizenship" --------- Date: Wed, 15 May 96 10:30:51 EST From: gwelker@mail.lmi.org Subj: Native Blood and Citizenship (fyi - Glenn) UUCP email Sources: http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/1575/ http://members.aol.com/Tsalagi152/pondlily.htm http://members.aol.com/Tsalagi152/pondlily/elders.htm For eons, before and after the colonization of the Americas, Native First Nations determined their citizenship in much the same way any other sovereign nation would; through adoption, naturalization, and immigration procedures. Yet, today in the United States, the sovereignty and future existence of native Nations is challenged by unethical policies and laws, set forth by the Federal government, which determine the citizenship of native Nations based upon certain racial criteria. This "racial criteria" is termed the "Blood-quantum code". Under the "Blood-quantum code", to be "federally" recognized as a citizen of a "native Nation", an individual must prove ( to the United States Federal government ) that they possess a certain percentile of Native American blood. If the individual, in question, does not meet the "federal" percentage (Which is also determined by the government), they do not gain recognition. In other words, they cannot claim to be a citizen of a Native American Nation. One doesn't have to be a genius to see that this "Blood-quantum code", initiated, implemented, and rigidly enforced by the U.S., is a strictly racist code. Not only is it a "racist code", but it is also a conscious statistical genocide policy that, if not stopped, will rid the U.S. of it's "Indian problem" once and for all. If interracial marriage continues, as it has for generations, and if we allow this "blood-quantum code" to be acceptable, eventually Native Americans as individuals as well as Nations, will cease to exist. We as "Native Americans" cannot allow this policy to be accepted among our people, otherwise, we only aid in our own destruction and the destruction of generations yet to come. WE, as Native Nations, can combat these policies through the implementation of our own policies and standards; and by disregarding these "foreign" federal policies that determine our citizenship. We are SOVEREIGN NATIONS and have never given up our rights to remain so. The U.S. expects us to accept, by force, U.S. citizenship and obey laws which harm our people instead of helping them. As far as the U.S. is concerned, WE are THEIR citizens. As far as I am concerned, they can keep THEIR citizenship! As long as the U.S. continues to promote racist and genocidal policies ,against MY people, that are used as a means, by which to, keep the overall population of Native Nations to a minimum, I want no part in their system. WE should determine the criteria for our citizenship as we always have and not some foreign Nation. Does Canada determine who can or cannot become a citizen of the U.S.? Are there Frenchmen and Englishmen of color? WE cannot allow this racist and genocidal policy to continue to hinder the growth of our Nations. It is time that we regain and assert our rights as Nations and push the tyrannical regime, that dictates to us "who WE are" divides us continuously; and denies many of our brothers and sisters their identity, out of our lives! We need to educate "American" citizens about "who we are" and what we stand for and gain their support as well. We need to, continuously, bombard the White House and Congressmen with mail protesting these blatant violations of our "civil"and "human", as well as our SOVEREIGN rights. WE need to stage protests anytime our rights are violated. WE need to be involved with helping our people. It will be a LONG road, but it is the RIGHT one. New York State in violation of Six Nations Treaties! The People of the Kanienkehaka Nation are extremely concerned that New York State Governor George Pataki, on behalf of the United States, is preparing to violate solemn treaties between the United States and the Six Nations entered into in 1784, 1789, and 1794. The constitution of the United States reads in part "...and all treaties made, or which will be made, under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the land." In a press release dated February 16, 1996, Commissioner Michael Urbach of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance announced an ultimatum to the respective Iroquois and Algonquin nations. Our nations' territories are located within the area of land illegally occupied and claimed by the State of New York. An ultimatum of one hundred and twenty (120) days was issued commencing February 20, 1996and which will end July 5, 1996. New York State is threatening that unless our nations sign a State Tax Compact, they will impose a pre-collection tax scheme. Since the early 1980's, our nations have prospered from the inception of the retail economy involving the sale of gasoline, diesel fuel, tobacco, and alcohol, without the imposition of New York State excise taxes added. The sales of these products have increased employment and the spinoff has been the introduction of unrelated new businesses due to the resulting influx of non-native consumers into our communities. Now that an economy has been established, which is reducing the unacceptably high unemployment rate of 35 to 75 percent found in typical Indian communities, New York State wants to eliminate it overnight without replacing it with an equivalent alternative. The resulting loss of both jobs and the ability to support our families is going to elicit a very strong resistance and resentment by the Kanienkehaka and other Native communities. During July of 1995, the public and our nations received a very disturbing report through the news media. We were informed that a military plan, code named Gallant Piper, had been drafted. The New York State National Guard would assist the Department of New York State Police to collect "past due NYS taxes from the sales of gasoline, alcohol, tobacco, and gaming revenues on Indian reservations bordered within the State of New York. The Kanienkehaka Nation has never relinquished our absolute sovereignty over our territory, nor have we given the United States the authority to impose taxation within our territory vis a vis New York State. "To better serve MY people and the Great Law of Peace" INTRODUCTION For centuries Native American peoples have been the victims of atrocious "human rights" violations. Although,in North America today, the outright and direct physical genocide has come to a halt, the violations of our "human", "aboriginal", and "sovereign" rights have not. It is my hope that these pages may educate some and give them an understanding of "what" is truly happening ( in Native America ) and how to help us to combat this problem. NATIVE BLOOD AND CITIZENSHIP (The following excerpt is borrowed for educational purposes and is also used to support Keihan's article below on Native Blood and Citizenship. It is borrowed from "Her Story II: Women from Canada's Past" at:http://chardonnay.niagara.com/~merrwill/.) "Do you pray to God every day, child?" Reverand John Williams asked severely. He was shocked to see his daughter Eunice, now brown from the sun, wearing Native clothing. Yet he had to admit she looked healthy and happy. Too happy. Eunice stood beside the black haired woman she loved and called mother, and calmly examined Reverand Williams. He wanted her to go with him, this long-ago father who did not smile. but he looked pale and harsh and Eunice wanted to forget the long ago, for now she was happy. Eunice looked Reverand Williams in the eye. "It is time for you to go away," she said firmly. "I am Mohawk now." EUNICE WILLIAMS (1696 - 1785) Mohawk by Choice - Quebec. Eunice was seven when she and other family members were kidnapped by French and Mohawk forces and taken to New France. Adopted by a Mohawk family, Eunice later repeatedly refused to rejoin her Puritan family in New England. She married a Mohawk and today her Iroquois descendants live in Kahnawake and St. Regis, Quebec. c 1995 frye@smtplink.ipfw.indiana.edu --------- "RE: Big Mountain Update" --------- Date: 15 May 1996 17:57:02 -0700 From: dineh@primenet.com (Dineh Alliance) Subj: BIG MOUNTAIN UPDATE: WCC Statement Newsgroups: alt.activism,alt.native,soc.culture.native dineh@primenet.com (Dineh Alliance) http://www.primenet.com/~dineh BIG MOUNTAIN UPDATE: WCC Statement STATEMENT PRESENTED TO WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen of the audience. Ya'a'teeh, (Good Greetings), and many blessings to each and everyone of you that has taken the time to be here to participate in this historic international event. The Sovereign Dineh Nation--Dineh Alliance (SDN-DA) extends it gratitude to those who have understood our traditional Dineh ways of expression and have worked closely with us to address the concerns that we have here on Black Mesa, Arizona, USA, and to the World Council of Churches (WWC) for providing the means for us to send a representative of our organization, Ray Benally, to speak directly to you on our behalf. We pray for strong solutions at the outcome of this conference, especially for those who are impacted by open cast (strip) mining; we also pray for the future generations of mankind and ask for wisdom for the leaders of nations so that the decisions that are made, some of which will become law, will consider the traditional Indigenous Peoples of the world and our Mother Earth. THE SOVEREIGN DINEH NATION--DINEH ALLIANCE (SDN-DA) We, the Traditional Clan Leaders/Medicine Peoples of Black Mesa, AZ, will now speak for ourselves through our authorized representative. We are the people who must live with the consequences of the mining activities of Peabody Western Coal Company (PWCC) on Black Mesa which is within the Four Sacred Mountains of Dine Tah, our traditional aboriginal homeland. Our ways of life and religion are being threatened like never before and the desecration of our sacred sites has increased, many Traditional Cultural Properties (TCP) have been destroyed irreparably and are often not reported at all as required by United States Federal Law. The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Code of Federal Regulations are not adhered to and other "protections" such as the Native American Grave Protection and Reparation Act (NAGPRA), the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 (AIRFA), the Endangered Species Act, (and others), are meaningless when it comes to us. Laws like Public Law 93-531, "The Relocation Act of 1974", that threaten our very survival are the only ones that are enforced; for us there is no judicial recourse or due process. The Executive Order (12898) on Environmental Justice, signed by US President Bill Clinton in February 1994, is a distant hope but federal agencies that deal with Native American tribal governments such as the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), the Department of the Interior (DOI) among many others, continue to fail to fulfill their "Trust Responsibility" obligations or implement it in their policies and procedures. Our own tribal government has not met it's obligations in some aspects; we who are the SDN-DA have heard the cries of our people who live in the coal fields and we responded. Our Board of Directors, who are the elders of both mine sites and Hopi Partitioned Land (HPL), instructed us to take action and charged SDN-DA Executive Director Louise Benally to continue to pursue the direction of the board. All of Black Mesa is sacred to Dineh, therefore, in July 1995, we filed an appeal, (DV 95-3-PR), on the permit renewal application submitted by PWCC for its Kayenta Mine site operation. On March 11, 1996, Administrative Law Court Judge Ramon Child handed down a landmark decision that has set precedent in strongly supporting Navajo Nation sovereignty as a legal principle. It also demonstrates that there is more than substantial evidence to prove that Peabody has not and currently is not, complying with federal law that regulates open cast (strip) mining. The ruling confirms that questions about land rights on the Navajo Nation must be decided by the nation and its legal system. The ultimate decision making authority is through our courts, legislature and executive branch of government. Anyone, including foreign multinational corporations, must obey laws established to protect the people who live on and use the land. PWCC and OSM have filed their expected appeals on the just ruling; the Navajo Nation and the BIA have joined their efforts and have filed their own motions on the ruling. Because of the sensitive nature of our court case we cannot discuss our own legal strategies only to say, "Our elders have spoken." THE COAL ISSUE IS THE SAME AS THE LAND ISSUE The forced eviction and relocation of Dineh living on or near both mine sites and the Hopi Partitioned Land (HPL) have the same purpose: to explore, develop, and exploit the mineral resources that lie below the surface and to continue to pit the Navajo and Hopi tribes one against another. While they fight with each other, the US Government and corporations like PWCC take the opportunity created by this division to set up their operations on our land and carry out their destructive activities giving only pennies on the dollar to them, keeping the bulk of the revenue generated to themselves. This deficit financing by the Navajo Nation is compounded by federal budget cuts to programs that affect some of our tribal operations. At present, the Nation is dependent on the development of our natural resources for revenue and because of another court decision, it must now pay mineral taxes to the Hopi tribe. Many traditional Dineh who refuse to move in the face of PWCC and the Hopi tribal government, stand in the way of the developers. They are the last vestiges of hope for the future generations of Dineh for they still have the culture, history, and language of our people. Without the land we are no longer Dineh. ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE RAMON M. CHILD'S MARCH 11 DECISION, "UNFOUNDED AND CONTRARY TO THE EVIDENCE", (PWCC PRESIDENT W. HOWARD CARSON). The evidence has shown that while PWCC states the ruling "has no basis in fact", the March 11, 1996 ruling was based on the evidence of the testimony that was given by our people during the August 1995 court hearing. There has been no improvement in the relations between the official parties involved to move towards any type of remedial action for the people adversely impacted by the unpermitted slurry and rail line and its illegal Kayenta Mine operation. Instead, OSM, the BIA, the US Government and both tribes willfully ignore the plight of our people in the coal fields and on HPL. The facts remain: Over 977 million gallons of pristine water from the N-Aquifer, (a sole source of drinking water for Dineh), is drained to slurry crushed coal 275 miles, 365 days a year, to a distant power generating station. More than 26 billion gallons has already been wastefully depleted to accommodate this unique slurry line, the only one of its kind in the US. Another 325 million gallons is used by Peabody annually for other operations. During this time of drought all is business as usual with the exception that SDN-Dineh Alliance must now defend the ruling from additional "interested parties". All the water is drying up and whatever is on the surface usually is not good for animals or humans to drink. One elder, who lives by the Black Mesa Mine, lost more than 80 sheep after they drank from the "Benally Springs"; others say they have lost hundreds of sheep which drank from ponds and springs in the area. Some springs by offering places no longer give water and according to our elders, the cause of the drought conditions is the pollution created by both mining operations. Medicine and food plants and trees do not grow on the "reclaimed" lands which are uninhabitable for generations to come. Over 103 square miles has already been devastated by the draglines and shovels. The facts of the ruling include the desecration of our ancestral archaeological sites, burial sites and ceremonial places; over 100 more burial sites are expected to be disturbed by PWCC's future mining operations. Humans and animals alike suffer from ill health and chronic diseases; the offspring are miscarried, born blind or still-born, deformed and mentally handicapped. For this and other reasons SDN-Dineh Alliance obtained an "environmental justice" small grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct an environmental health survey on Black Mesa and is expected to have the final results by the fall of 1996. Through direct and active participation in the official decision making process we hope to show that our experts, (our elders), must be heard and listened to for their wisdom is essential for the survival of who we are as Dineh, the Earth Surface People. The only thing that is unfounded and contrary to fact is the misinformation disseminated by the other parties to the proceedings. THE FUTURE OF MANKIND REQUIRES YOUR POSITIVE EFFORTS AND IDEAS SDN-Dineh Alliance has proposed a collaborative effort to establish a solar energy conversion plant on Black Mesa that would create four to five times as many jobs at present and without the negative effects caused by PWCC's open cast (strip) mining operations and with professional training in the required areas of expertise, this could be a transition period for the conversion to solar. There would be no forced early retirements, lay-offs, or reduction in hours and the real economic strength will come from the ability to expand to other areas of the nation and the benefits will be perpetual. This and the fact that the Navajo Nation can have it's attorneys draw up the contracts will mean that the nation can enter the world market with a solid financial base and fine products ready for international distribution. We are also involved in other activities that we are confident will at least provide a forum to continue discussion of the issues that impact us. SDN-Dineh Alliance is cooperating with the USEPA in an upcoming official Superfund Site Investigation (SI) near the two mine sites. The SI will begin on May 22, 1996; A group Citizens Complaint has been filed with OSM to address the unlawful K Mine Operation and is pending; the annual Big Mountain Spring Gathering will be from May 23 to 26; A delegation from Big Mountain will travel to Washington, D.C. to lobby for the amendment of P.L. 93-531 and to deliver a Environmental Justice Declaration and Four EJ Proposals carried by two Dineh activists; we are currently negotiating on behalf of the traditional Dineh resisters on HPL with the US Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, the Navajo-Hopi land Commission,and both tribes; and we are also working with other federal, state, tribal, and local governmental officials and our support network to bring peace and healing back to the land. In this "Deadline Year" 1996 we are faced with certain obstacles but with one event we can address many of the issues of importance. We have been calling for a Special Session of the Navajo Tribal Council (NTC) but our call has fallen upon deaf ears. With your help we can be heard. Please call, write, or fax the following and request that SDN-Dineh Alliance be given a Special Session, not a few minutes on someone's agenda, to give their presentations, testimonies, and evidence, during this summer. Navajo Nation President Albert Hale P.O. Box 9000 Phone: (520)871-6352 Window Rock, AZ 86515 FAX: 871-4025 NTC Speaker Kelsey Begay P.O. Box 2010 Phone: (520)871-7160 Window Rock, AZ 86515 FAX: 871-7255 In conclusion, we who are The People of Black Mesa, AZ will continue to defend the sovereignty of our Navajo Nation tribal government and our religion and ways of life. We extend an invitation to those who are interested in assisting us in our struggle and welcome your support. We do ask for cultural sensitivity and are quite willing to facilitate educational awareness as it pertains to who we are as Dineh. We do have a global support network you can join. We respectfully request your respect in following correct protocol and work closely with us in these difficult times. There are some self-appointed Black Mesa/Big Mountain "representatives" living the jetset lifestyle off of our issues. These people we have ignored for they only add confusion to the process and are not from Black Mesa anyway. We do not let ourselves be fooled by them, neither should you. It is important to recognize the delicate nature of the proceedings of which we are intricately involved in. To this end we are confidant we will bring about positive change; with your support we can make tremendous strides that will strengthen our court victory and the righteous ruling that was handed down on March 11, 1996. Our main need as of now is financial contributions to our legal defense fund--the first round really hit us hard in the pockets, some of us still have debts we owe due to the expenses we incurred last August. Contributions can be made to our "legal defense fund" maintained buy our fiscal agent, please send them to: Don't Waste Arizona, Inc. 6205 South 12th Street Phoenix, Arizona 85040. Our address is: Dineh Alliance P.O. Box 810 Pinon, AZ 86510; E-Mail: dineh@primenet.com; and phone (and FAX):(520)607-1449 Thank you very much for your attention. WE ARE ALL RELATED! --------- "RE: Miss Indian, USA" --------- Date: Sun, 19 May 1996 09:22:27 -0700 From: meyna@ix.netcom.com (Julia White ) Subj: Fwd: Miss Indian, USA Fwd From: FirehairSS@aol.com UUCP email A situation has come up in the past week that needs addressing by Indian Country, and by anyone who sees the un-fairness of this, might be willing to take time to write a letter or make a phone call to their appropriate representative (Congressman, Senator, etc). Natasha Wagoner, formerly Miss Lumbee, of Robeson County, NC was named 8th National Miss Indian, USA on 4 May 1995 in the US Capitol Bldg, Washington, DC. She received a National Scholarship, the first Lumbee woman, or North Carolinian, to be so honored. Governor James B. Hunt proclaimed that date as Miss Indian USA Day in her Honor. she has received the support and accolades of Senators, Representatives,tribal and state Leaders, not only from NC, from other areas as well. She is the reigning spokes person and Ambassador of goodwill for the American Heritage Foundation and the National Miss Indian USA Scholarship Program. Natasha is well known to North Carolinians. During her reign as Miss Lumbee she traveled the state extensively, to Indian communities , non-Indian, alike. She is bright, personable, intelligent, with a delightful quiet humor. Warm and very easy to talk with, she endeared herself to Elders and children . (everyone in-between) She long since has established herself as a role model for ANY race/culture. Natasha is a full time student at Wingate University, majoring in Psychology and Family Studies. She makes numerous appearances at local, state, regional, national and international events encouraging awareness of American Indian People,our heritage, culture, problems and hopes for the future - to People of ALL ages, cultures. The situation has arisen that, in the forth coming pageant/parade it has been decided that it is "not appropriate" for Miss Indian USA to occupy the same float as Miss USA. The government has made this decision, given no specific reason. It is my understanding there are/may be, other dignitaries of the pageant world on this float. Miss Indian USA will not be allowed to be amongst them. This is prejudicial, demeaning, unfair. to relegate her to a lesser float, position, is putting it in the light of "not good enuf". We have had this too many times in the past. My own personal take on this matter questions: If Natasha were a Navajo, Cherokee, Onondaga or Sioux, all Federally "recognized" tribes, instead of Lumbee (a nation of some 35,000 Indians who cannot get a Federal Stamp of "Approval") - would it then be "allowable" for her to ride on the honored float?? Again - my own personal opinion - having been in DC on similar matters - could it be that to have Natasha, pretty, bright, well spoken, educated - in a place of prominence, gives lie to the popular image that we need the government's o.k. on and about us, because we are (still) incapable of managing our own lives?? Is it that, by paying her the Honor due, publicly, then government is admitting to the world, the Lumbee are really Indians??? What is intended as a good will, educational, title, event, may be turning into the usual - something political. Not needed,not deserved. Miss Wagoner deserves respect, accolades and honors commensurate with those of her contemporaries in non-Native Society. Nothing less, nothing more. Let's face it, folks, she IS Miss USA, period - an indigenous person!! Please contact anyone you know who can be of help regarding this matter, so a wrong can be righted, before it happens!! Terry Rose, Co-ordinator, 6051 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, VA at (202) Indians - should have more information on this. I got mine from the Lumbee People this weekend, and Jim Chavis, Director of Richmond County Community College, Hamlet, NC, well as others who were passing petitions to be signed. With thanks for your help - Firehair Shining Spirit --------- "RE: Call for The People" --------- Date: Tue, 21 May 1996 09:26:40 -0700 (PDT) From: cherokee@wolfenet.com Subj: Call for The People UUCP email +stand humbly in her feet, bared on the breast of Mother, with head lowered to the sacredness of her elders at the fire and respectfully asks to speak her heart and to call upon First Nations...and more...to All People....Offers tobacco in sacredness* I, a mere Tsalagi Woman, come before this sacred fire...and ask that my heart's words be heard. I ask the hearts of all who hear these words to honor our Grandfathers...our Grandmothers..our Winged Brothers..all things sacredly given to our lives. This Friday, at our Holy City of New Echota...that land which has been our ancestral sacred home...that land which was taken from us...that land which we are not allowed to gather at anymore..that place where Our People were given sanity..refuge...that land where my Sacred Leader was refused the request to bring forth the Prayer Drum...that land where the sacred Prayers no longer are spoken...that land where the winds whisper to no hearts gathered there anymore....that land which my People died for...that land which holds the bones of my Ancestors who were herded like cattle...marched a thousand miles to a thousand deaths...that land which holds my heart in the hills...that land which I love...that land shall hear again...our hearts...our prayers... On May 24th...The day they came for my People..The day the Soldiers came and burned our homes...burned our crops in the fields...shoved us..beat us...threatened us with deaths...herded us as cattle into pens to die..marched us a thousand miles losing one THIRD of my People...that day..I shall remember forever...I shall never forget this thing...never! This Friday...we shall go there...refusing to yield when they tell us to leave...I shall never leave...and we shall light sacred fire..at sunset to the next sunset and pray....and hope...and remember...and dare to believe it shall never happen again... Many have promised to come and kneel with us...Olivia and I will do sacred ceremony...in the remembrance of our People...I humbly ask those whose hearts are moved to come...to remember...for if we forget our past..we are to repeat it... The Kutani have pledged to be there...an elder Chief will come..and as we kneel upon those sacred lands..I shall remember...I shall remember each step..each step of suffering of First Nations...and I ask you..at Sunset on this Friday till Sunset on Saturday...to remember also..and offer prayers for the People...so that each step taken by a tiny Cherokee Woman 158 years ago...carrying only a wooden bowl filled with the dirt of her land..a thousand miles to Oklahoma to place on the mound for Sacred Fire in prayer of thankfulness, shall not have been in vain... I stand...and salute my Grandmothers...who carried their babies...and that tiny wooden bowl across a trail that I could not walk with them...and I salute the Women of First Nations who continue to walk that trail..carrying the bowl of our future...I shall remember...I shall... +backs humbly from our sacred fire...seven steps backwards...in remembrance of my sacred clans...and the betrayal...of all First Nations.* --------- "RE: Sacred Run Needs Help" --------- Date: Mon, 20 May 1996 22:41:26 +0000 From: David and Diane Subj: Sacred Run Needs Help Newsgroups: alt.native 1996 SACRED RUN NEEDS HELP! The mission of the run is to raise awareness about the state of the environment and to preserve indigenous peoples' wisdom and lands. The Sacred Run, organized by Dennis Banks, began in April in Santa Cruz, California and will culminate July 11 at the Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. The runners come from all over the world. They are taking the southern route, which will take them through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. See an itinerary at http://www.ableza.org/sacredr.html As the runners arrive in various towns and cities along their route, they are being supported by local people, organizations and businesses. But, in many locations, they have no contact for this support. Needed support includes: lodging for the night, showers, potluck meals, water, juices and sports drinks, fresh fruits and vegetables, donations of gasoline, oil or money, running shoes, and media coverage. Sometimes there may be the need for medical or physical therapeutic attention. YOU CAN HELP! If you can offer any support to the runners, either by way of being located along their route and can offer lodging, etc., or if you would like to make a donation to support them, or just need more information, contact: The Sacred Run Foundation, Inc. PO Box 315 Newport, KY 41071 (606) 431-2346 fax: (606) 581-9458 Help support the Sacred Run and the indigenous peoples of the world. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + Ableza, a Native American Arts and Film Institute + + 1279 Mildred Ave. (408) 267-4609 + + San Jose, CA 95125 fax: (408) 267-9609 + + http://www.ableza.org + + David Yohn, Executive Director David@ableza.org + + Diane Way, Artistic Director Diane@ableza.org + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ --------- "RE: NCDM Press Release" --------- Date: 9:44 AM May 21 From: moonlight@igc.indig.info Subj: NCDM press release Mailing List: Chiapas-L (chiapas-l@profmexis.dgsca.unam.mx) Cecilia Rodriguez U.S. Representative of the Zapatistas 601 N. Cotton Street, #A103 El Paso, Texas 79902 Phone/Fax: (915) 532-8382 Email: moonlight@igc.apc.org PRESS RELEASE May 21, 1996 RED ALERT SIGNALS POSSIBLE RETURN OF STATE OF COMBAT After several attempts to rescue a peace process established by a Mexican law, including appeals to legislators, the EZLN has declared a red alert for the following reasons; a) The recent severe jail sentence handed to two individuals "accused" of being members of the EZLN has violated the viability of the peace process which guarantees a peace negotiation and NOT prosecution for the EZLN. The sentenced prisoners, as well as the 16 awaiting trial have not only been victimized by a lack of due process, but by torture, confessions extorted by force, and a lack of evidence. Several reputable international human rights organizations have protested this travesty. b) Additional armed units have been sighted in Zapatista enclaves including 150 soldiers of a new special unit in the village of Oventic, and what appears to be a commando force disguised as engineers establishing operations in San Quintin. Although the Mexican Army claims these are operations against "drug trafficking", these forces have principally concentrated in well-known Zapatista communities and this is no coincidence. c) Communications with the official government negotiating team have deteriorated to ill-disguised threats and incoherent proposals on behalf of the Mexican government. The EZLN no longer believes it is feasible to negotiate and implores the national legislative team to intervene and take action to salvage the peace process. In pursuit of its commitment to a political solution, the National Commission for Democracy in Mexico, a national network of more than 20 community groups in the United States will be organizing campaigns and mobilizations in response to this ominous development. The Commission calls upon all other interested individuals and organizations to take immediate action to offset the possibility of war which promises more economic chaos, forced immigration, and injustice for the people of Mexico. -------------- Enclosure number 2 ---------------- NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR DEMOCRACY IN MEXICO 601 N. Cotton Street, #A103 El Paso, Texas 79902 Phone/fax: (915) 532-8382 Email: moonlight@igc.apc.org PRESS RELEASE Contact: Daniel Solis, Coordinator May 21, 1996 IS THE US GOING TO SUPPORT CIVIL WAR IN CHIAPAS? In recent days conditions in Chiapas and Mexico have grown ominous. Two of the alleged Zapatista political prisoners, despite the terms of the Law for Harmony and Pacification which froze all judicial action against any alleged Zapatistas, were sentenced to 13 and 6 years in jail for treason and sedition. At the same time the Mexican military has advanced its troops and equipment surrounding various Zapatista communities, another violation of the Harmony and Pacification Law. As a result of this betrayal of the peace dialogue, the EZLN has declared a red alert and refused to return to the peace talks on June 5th until proper conditions exist. At the same time, the US government has announced that it is giving 73 Huey helicopters to the Mexican government and assisting it to update all of its armament that is ten years old or older. This equipment is to be dedicated to the "War on Drugs" yet previous US weapons donations were used in the Mexican government's war against the Zapatista communities. The affiliates and allies of the National Commission for Democracy in Mexico are holding demonstrations across the country to denounce the Mexican government's growing efforts to provoke a war, and to demand that the US government suspend all military aid to Mexico and make public the use and location of all US military equipment and personnel in Mexico. We are urging our Congressional representatives to investigate and release publicly the level of US military support and involvement in Mexico. The Mexican government's long history of human rights violations is well documented. Just this past weekend Amnesty International (AI) called for the immediate and unconditional release of the alleged Zapatista political prisoners, as their continued imprisonment violated both Mexican and international law. Furthermore, AI and Human Rights Watch as well as various independent Mexican human rights bodies have documented and denounced the Mexican government and military involvement in dozens of murders, disappearances, rapes, tortures and other abuses. As a result any US military aid to Mexico, under the current political system, is a collaboration in profound violence against the Mexican people. For this reason the National Commission for Democracy in Mexico is demanding that the Mexican government end its provocations and return to the peace process and that the US government suspend any military aid to Mexico until the human rights issues are resolved. --------- "RE: Corporations to Rip-Off Indians" --------- Date: Sat, 18 May 1996 22:55:14 -0400 (edt) From: aconcert@carroll.com (Joe Campagna) Subj: Corporations to rip-off Indians Again! UUCP email ATTENTION ALL NATIVE LISTS, BBS, NEWSPAPERS -- ALL NATIVE PEOPLE Also release to non-native newspapers. We have the facts and we names. URGENT!! ABOUT A MONTH AGO I HAD STRUCK A POTENTIAL DEAL WITH TWO LARGE CORPORATIONS WHO LIKED THE IDEA OF INTERWORLD CONCERT. THERE WAS A CONFERENCE CALL IN BETWEEN A WEST & EAST COAST REPRESENTATIVE, MYSELF AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DAKOTAH TERRITORY CHAIRMAN'S TREATY COUNCIL. AFTER EXTENSIVE MATERIAL WAS SENT BY FAX AND EXTENSIVE INFORMATION WAS RELAYED BY PHONE THE COMPANIES HAD PULLED AWAY FROM THE PROJECT. ONE OF THE REASONS IS THAT THEY HAD BECOME GREEDY DURING NEGOTIATIONS DEMANDING 50% OF ARTS AND CRAFTS SOLD AND WANTED TO CONTRACT THE ENTIRE SIOUX NATION FOR PRODUCING ARTS AND CRAFTS AT WHAT THEY WOULD DEEM A FAIR PRICE, AS WELL AS USE TRIBAL NAMES AND THEIR "OFFICIAL STATUS" TO MARKET PRODUCTS FOR THEIR PROFITS.OF COURSE THEY WERE SET STRAIGHT BEFORE THEY COULD EVEN APPROACH THE TRIBES WITH SUCH AN OFFER. THEY CARED NOT ABOUT THE PEOPLE OR ABOUT THE POVERTY OR THE NATIVE BROADCASTING PROJECT -- THEY WANTED PROFIT FOR BROADCASTING THE INTERWORLD CONCERT ON THE WEB. >From Joe Campagna aconcert@carroll.com THIS IS A (CC) COPY OF A LETTER SENT TO ONE OF To David Cole, http://hanksville.phast.umass.edu:80/misc/announce/cultsens.html Dear Sirs/ madams, you wrote >In the past couple of weeks a small number of authors/maintainers of >>World Wide Web sites with >Native American content were approached to participate in a >multimedia >project to be produced and >marketed by 2 multi-million dollar corporations. In trying to deal >with >these groups, we found it >impossible to extract from them the context in which our work would >be >used. What little we could >learn gave us grave doubts about the project. It is very likely that these two companies are connected to the two corporations who were offering to fund the Interworld Concert. This activity began about the mid of April, but ended when they realized that Native people wanted to be in control of their own project and a Native American television broadcasting company must remain in control of Native American elders. (please see the questionnaire attached) If these are the same companies they are after big money and they don't care how many Indians and Indian land they have buy and to sell before they do it. These companies have many other corporate disguises and will be very hard to detect what name they are using and why. Their doing this is a violation of a non-circumvention, non-disclose agreement and an insult to the integrity of the Native People and the project. There shall be public protest for the bastardization and piracy of a good project. As you can see by our web site that we are already doing this and have been planning it for years, now what was once a beautiful thing comes to money and greed. Please contact me as soon as possible. And, check out these web sites. Home page under construction: http://www.jlc.net/~jcatlin/interworld/ Text for proposed fundraising concert with broadcasting project information: http://www.cris.com/~Nlthomas/lists/unite.html http://www.jlc.net/~jcatlin/interworld/nab.htm Page reserved for video-to-unix to internet-to-unix to broadcast/video. Truly Yours Joe Campagna Interworld Concert cc: lists, Chairman, Dakota Territory Chairman's Treaty council Chairman, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe --------- "RE: Book Review: Badlands" --------- Date: 16 May 1996 04:06:13 GMT From: brock@ucsub.Colorado.EDU (Steve Brock) Subj: Review of Badlands by Melinda Camber Porter (fiction) Newsgroups: rec.arts.books.reviews,rec.arts.books,alt.books.reviews, alt.native,soc.culture.native BADLANDS by Melinda Camber Porter. Writers & Readers Publishing, Box 461, Village Station, New York, NY 10014, (212) 982-3158, FAX: (212) 777-4924, distributed by Publishers Group West. 256 pp., $22.00 cloth. 0-86316-149-9 Reviewed by Steve Brock No, he wanted to steal something from me, asked slyly if anything dropped into my head "like thunder" (a sign to him that the Dead were talking). I told him (slightly embarrassed) about slowly finding a home in the earth and sky here. How, when I arrived, she's abandoned me and left me wandering aimless through here with Adam, but now, even when I closed my eyes, I sensed her, I sensed her essence, the story she'd spawned, and the feel of the lives she'd buried. "Puritan shit," said Blackfoot... Though the cover flap says this debut novel by the much- praised British artist and poet is about Wounded Knee and the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, "Badlands" actually exists in a tedious confessional dreamworld. In the opening scenes of the novel, the narrator, an unnamed Englishwoman, accompanies her lawyer lover from New York City to Indian Country, a place of "parched brownish fields on slightly rolling land, tobacco colored, exuding musty smells." The attorney has agreed to take the case of Harry Blackfoot, a Sioux Indian, who is suing a nearby Anglo family for the return of Indian lands. Along with the suit and their suitcases, the two bring a tremendous amount of mental baggage. Their psychological tension, coupled with the continuing state of anger and frustration experienced by Blackfoot and his extended family, slowly takes over the plot, and a good story eventually becomes strained through the narrator's erotic thoughts about Adam, Adam's father, Blackfoot, Blackfoot's children, tribal police, and many others. In an attempt to write a contemporary take on Didion's "Run River," Porter, instead, has penned an overwrought exercise in self- indulgence. Grade: B-. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Steve Brock Copyright c1996 Book Reviews on the Internet 2323 Mapleton Reviews are Boulder, CO 80304 available for (303) 786-7375 syndication brock@ucsub.colorado.edu http://ucsub.colorado.edu/~brock E-mail for Member: National Book Critic's Circle more info. ------------------------------------------------------------------ --------- "RE: Poems: My Mom's Poetry" --------- Date: Sat, 11 May 1996 11:55:35 -0700 (PDT) From: Ayanna Haynes Subj: my mom's poetry UUCP email My darling mother has given me permission to share her poetry with the Circle...the ones I'm sending are autobiographical, she wrote them back in 1989.. Poems by Karen Haynes 1. untitled I'm an Indian. I am here. I live with little money. Please don't tell me I cannot do without. T.V. commercials creating needs that should be met. Don't tell me I must have them. I'm an Indian of America. I live, I bleed, I care. But Blommingdale's has sale days and I don't have enough money to buy a cup of coffee. Please don't take it all away. 2. The Arrow Does Not Fly The arrow does not fly But the brave can see the sky. Protecting him-- hiding the sun's glare. I feel for you. I know how the changes disrupt our lives. I know what it feels like, seeing the foreigner amass possessions, when some of us can't make ends meet. I care for you-- Knowing we share a past filled with glory. Oh Brave, You inspire me. God is still watching over us. Don't give up. He still cares. We have Nature to be a part of And watch. The ground still holds our feet pray for a new day, when we Indians can all be satisfied. When our needs can be met. When we will once again have what we need. 3. (MASKS) Apaches, Cherokees, Mohawks, I hear a call-- To come, to be. Onandagas, Blackfeet, Sioux, Call and say, Be with us. Don't be misled By foolish treasures. Come my child and Walk in the light. Algonquins, Cree, Senecas, Call me. Come, my child, Before the sun goes down, The Mask of the ritual calls attention to the Heritage of years. They call me... Come... --------- "RE: Verse: Hawai'ian Book of Days" --------- Date: 96/05/15 23:35 From: Debra F. Sanders (dfsanders@genie.geis.com) Subj: Verse: Hawai'ian Book of Days genie email A HAWAIIAN BOOK OF DAYS, week of May 26-June 1 MEI (May) (Ikiiki) 26 The full moon reflected upon the ocean weaves a night of ancient magic. 27 No act of kindness ever goes unrewarded. 28 I have walked this land before in a child's dream of freedom. 29 Today's memories will be cherished tomorrow. 30 We are all voyagers in life's ocean. 31 In the tiniest of shells is found the eternal cycle. IUNE (June) (Kaaona) June was the time when the fishermen got their a-ei nets in readiness for catching the opelu, procuring in advance the sticks to use for keeping its mouth open. 1 To walk between the islands is a secret of the ancients. (c) Copyright 1991 by D. F. Sanders Me ke aloha i ka nani, ... Moe'uhanekeanuenue (With love and beauty, ... Rainbow Dream) --------- "RE: Conferences and Powwows - offline" --------- Date: Thu, 23 May 96 08:00 -0500 From: Janet Smith (Evening Star) (jans@genie.com) Subj: Upcoming conferences and powwows not previously posted to Mailing Lists NATCHAT or NATIVE-L genie email Date: Fri, 17 May 1996 11:44:10 -0700 From: Carol Liu Subj: ALERT: 1996 World Indigenous Peoples' Conference-Education UUCP email WIDE DISTRIBUTION OF THIS MESSAGE IS ENCOURAGED! The organizers of the 1996 World Indigenous Peoples' Conference-Education have asked me to send out this alert to encourage more people to attend. The conference is scheduled to take place in Albuquerque, NM from June 15-21, 1996. A detailed conference program is due out shortly. Conference registration has been extended beyond the April 1, 1996 deadline. Information about the conference can be found at the WIPCE web site: http://www.arc.unm.edu/community/wipc_e/wipc_e.html (If you do not have web access, I will be happy to e-mail information to you. Send your request to cliu@queens.lib.ny.us) Booth space for vendors is still available. Interested parties should immediately contact: Linda Warner c/o University of New Mexico High Performance Computing, Education & Research Center Galles Building - 1601 Central Ave., NE Albuquerque, NM 87131 wipc_e@arc.unm.edu Tel # 505-277-8371 FAX # 505-277-8235 Anyone wishing further information regarding the program may contact: Ray Barnhardt WIPC:EDUCATION 1996 Academic Program Chair Center for Cross-Cultural Studies University of Alaska at Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK 99775 Phone # 907-474-6431 (Phone # 907-479-4357 after 5/23/96) Fax # 907-474-5451 E-Mail: FFRJB@AURORA.ALASKA.edu Carol F. L. Liu cliu@queens.lib.ny.us "Respect for the rights of others is peace." Benito Juarez -------------------------------------------------------- Date: 16 May 1996 21:27:16 -0400 From: caylah@aol.com (Caylah) Subj: Spritual Gathering Newsgroups: alt.native Spiritual Gathering Sharing Motivation Learning Acceptance Where did we come from? Where are we going? Where are we going tomorrow? I, Grandfather and Elder, William Commanda of the Algonquin Nation invite you to attend our 4 day Spiritual Gathering. Date: August 1st to 4th , 1996 Location: Residence of William Commanda Kitigan Zibi Reserve Maniwaki, Quebec Requirements: Bring personal supplies, tents, sleeping bags, food, etc. *Camping Area available (Please no paper plates, styrofoam, etc.) If you should require additional information regarding this gathering, you can contact us at the numbers below: William Commanda (819)449-2668 Frank Decontie (819)449-4560 Canada or our assistant in the USA, Johnie Leverett at (413)538-8631 (Send a self addressed envelope for a map to Williams home.) Johnie Leverett 52 Fairfield Ave. Holyoke, MA 01040or Email for written directions to: Johnie.Leverett@Chicopee.com This gathering is independent and nor sponsored by any organisations. It is through the kindness and generosity of Peoples of all different races that will make this gathering come into Reality. ABSOLUTELY NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL ALLOWED ON THE PREMISES ___________________________________________________________________________ OVERVIEW Live situations with in Humanity is at a crucial state. Humanity is visualising progress on one level of which is materialism (Modern Technology) Humanity has a time frame to decide what to do (freedom of choice.) This gathering is to achieve this Spirituality (Re-develop, Re-gain) GOAL OF GATHERING: Healings within Humanity OBJECTIVES -To integrate our Wisdom, Knowledge and Sacred Teachings with other Medicine Peoples and Spiritual Leaders-To achieve Reconciliation -To work with forgiveness -Acceptance of one another (Recognition) -Teachings of guidance towards future (Moral Values, Motivation) -Learn to work together (Humanity) -Working with one another (Equality) -Dances, songs and celebrations. -Healing Circles, Sweats, Ceremonies , Etc. -Sharing -Feasting and Rejoicing __________________________________________________________________________ BRIEF TENTATIVE SCHEDULE Day 1 5:30 a.m. SUNRISE CEREMONY 9:00 a.m. Daily activities begin Welcoming and speech by Elder William Commanda Introduction of Elders and Medicine People Creation Story and Teachings of Creation Evening Sweats or Talking Circles other evening activities to be determined Day 2 5:30 a.m. SUNRISE CEREMONY 9:00 am Daily activities begin Teaching of present life situations Evening Sweats or Talking Circles or Meeting with Elders (Evening activities to be determined) Day 3 5:30 am SUNRISE CEREMONY 9:00 Daily activities begin Teaching towards future Evening Feast and Social Day 4 5:30 a.m. SUNRISE CEREMONY 9:00 a. Daily activities begin Review of Spiritual Gathering Comments, Opinions and/or suggestions Give-away Ceremonies Closing Circle with Elders and Medicine People _________________________________________ Date: 17 May 1996 22:27:17 GMT From: VTZU56A@prodigy.com (Richard Hazel) Subj: Occaneechi-Saponi Cultural Festival 6/8/96 Newsgroups: alt.native The Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation will hold it's first early summer festival on June 8, 1996, in Hillsborough, North Carolina, (Exit 164 off Interstate 85, travel N into town, cross Eno River and turn Right at first stoplight) Host Drum is Red Wolf Drum (Hollister, N.C.) Displays and demonstrations of Primitive weapons, traditional crafts, music, and dancing are featured. The public is invited. Admission is $3.00 for adults. All proceeds will support the tribe's legal defense fund as the tribe continues its fight for state recognition. Come join the Occaneechi and learn a little about the history and future plans of the tribe. Grand entry will be at noon on Saturday. For further info call John Jeffries 919-732-8512, or Forest Hazel at 919-563-5653. ------------------------------------------ Date: 15 May 1996 10:12:44 +0200 From: Marcellus Antonio Proctor Subj: Native American Pow Wow in Maryland Mailing List: AISESnet Discussion List (aisesnet@victor.umt.edu) American Indian Cultural Center Cedar Road & Country Lane 14th Annual Native American Indian Pow-Wow & Festival June 1, 1996 (Noon to 6 pm) June 2, 1996 (Noon to 5 pm) Head Drum: Rocky Park Head Male Dancer: Wayahstj Richardson Head Female Dancer: TBA SPECIAL ATTRACTION AZTEC Dancers from MEXICO ADMISSION Adults $5 Children 7-12 $3 6 & under FREE Bring a Lawn Chair Sponsored by: The Maryland Indian Heritage Society, Inc. For further information (301) 372-1932 ------------------------------------------ Date: Thu, 16 May 1996 06:50:23 -0700 (PDT) From: Lora Czarnowsky Subj: Stand for the Children JUNE 1 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE -------------------------- This tentative outline of the program for Stand For Children Day is subject to change without notice. Speakers will be announced at a later date. 9 am - 12 pm: Child, Youth & Family Forum (Memorial Grounds) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Interactive information and demonstration area where some of the 2,000 endorsing organizations will distribute materials, sponsor activities (e.g. reading circles, sing-a-longs), and present educational exhibits that highlight the needs of children. Participants may include, for example, "Puzzle Place" characters, Mr. & Mrs. McFeely from "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood," and some of the young hosts of Nickelodeon's news programs for children. 9 am - 12 pm & 3 pm - 7 pm: Youth Stage ----------------------------------------- Young people host musical "speak out" demonstration. Teenagers and young adults will use music and dance to voice their concern about the conditions for children growing up in America. City at Peace will perform. BET "Teen Summit" will cablecast a live special with a correspondent at the youth stage. 12 pm - Children's March (location to be announced) ---------------------------------------------------- Thousands of children - Girl Scouts and Brownies, boys clubs, church choirs, young people who have "beaten the odds", children with disabilities-march to the Lincoln Memorial. 1 pm - 3 pm: Lincoln Memorial ------------------------------ Interfaith service to underline the moral imperative of standing for children. Music expressing a commitment to children provided by a 2,000 voice children's choir. Nationally known entertainers may perform with children and young people. A moment when all Americans are asked to stand up for children wherever they are to pledge their unity with rally participants in Washington DC. Speakers reflecting and calling for greater personal, family, and community commitment to improving the quality of children's lives and challenging employers, government and community leaders to help rather than hinder families struggling to raise moral, healthy, educated and safe children. MEDIA ----- If you are member of the media and planning to be covering Stand for Children, please call (800) 233 1200 x777 for press credentials. LOCAL EVENTS ------------ If you are hosting an event in relation to Stand for Children Day, please send us an e-mail at <103661.222@compuserve.com> to let us know or send us a fax at (202) 234 0217 to the attention of Elizabeth Hedlund. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ------------------ If you are in the DC area and are able to volunteer either before or during June 1st, please send an e-mail including your name, phone and fax numbers to hn3208@handsnet.org and let us know. You can also call us at (800) 233 1200 x235 or (202) 234 0217 x235. ----------------------------- Date: Thu, 16 May 1996 22:17:08 -0600 From: ron.burling@weecabn.cts.com (Ron Burling) Subj: SAULT TRIBE JOB FAIR Mailing List: AISESnet Discussion List (aisesnet@victor.umt.edu) The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians is holding a JOB FAIR..... May 23,1996 at their Bingo Hall located adjacent to the Vegas Kewadin Casino, 2186 Shunk Rd. Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 Do you like your job? Looking for a new career? Come see us..... 100's of jobs available -Casino -Hotel -Restaurant -Tribal Government -Recreation Center -Convenience Stores -And Many More!!! On-site interviews! All job descriptions will be on site for your review.... High School Students and College Students welcome for summer employment Elderly welcome Refreshments & Snacks will be served, the first 150 participant receive t-shirts, plus other prizes and gifts! Questions? Call (906) 632-0079 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Ron Burling ron.burling@weecabn.cts.com Anishinabe Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Mackinac Band of Chippewa Crane Clan - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- --//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//-- Notice of Copyright Clearance by Contributors: The following have granted permission for their original articles to be reposted in order to help mend the Sacred Hoop: Glenn Welker, Dineh Alliance, Julia White, David Yohn and Diane Way, Joe Campagna, Karen Haynes via Ayanna Haynes, Janet Smith, Brooke Craig, Debra F. Sanders, Steve Brock, American Indian Movement, B. Brigham, Cecilia Rodriguez, Nicolette via Ishgooda, Feather Eaglerock --//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//--//-- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Part B of this newsletter (not included) has already been distributed via the NATIVE-L or NATCHAT mailing lists. --------- "RE: Conferences and Powwows - online" --------- Date: Thu, 23 May 96 08:00 -0500 From: Janet Smith (Evening Star) (jans@genie.com) Subj: Upcoming conferences and powwows already posted to Mailing Lists NATCHAT or NATIVE-L genie email Date: Mon, 20 May 1996 15:32:09 -0400 From: mnation@axess.com Subj: Traditional Iroquois Sing-Picnic-Social (25 May, Jamesville, NY) Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) THE ONONDAGAS OF DIO-WAN-DO INVITE ALL TO A TRADITIONAL IROQUOIS SING - PICNIC - SOCIAL IN JAMESVILLE, NY NEAR SYRACUSE AT: THE GROVE SATURDAY MAY 25, 1996 Directions: Hwy 81 through Syracuse toward Dewitt Take the 2nd exit - Jamesville Exit Turn right Follow it to the Jamesville Village, where the road becomes a T This is route 173 Go left at the T Take an immediate right onto 91 The Grove is 2 miles down the road on the right side Call Michelle for more details: 315/469-6914 --------------------------------- Date: Wed, 15 May 1996 23:10:54 -0400 From: mooncloud@aol.com Subj: March and Rally (Scottsdale, AZ - 24 May) Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) From: GRDancer To: MOONCLOUD MARCH & RALLY "AGAINST VIOLENCE/FOR JUSTICE" DATE: MAY 24, 1996 TIME: SUNRISE TO EVENING The March starts at Sunrise at the Lehi Cultural Center (Stapley and Oak). The route will be posted to Friendship Park (Longmore and Osborne) for the afternoon Rally. OPEN FORUM: SPEAK ON VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY SPEAKERS * LEADERS * COMMITTEES * DEPARTMENTS DRUMS AND SINGERS WELCOME TRADITIONAL SINGING * SOCIAL DANCING * BIRD DANCING POTLUCK (HELP NEEDED) In memory of Malcolm Joey Watuema Jr. Please join in the March Against Violence and For Justice in Salt River. Support families who lost loved ones due to violence, because we are NOT confident that justice will be served as in some cases. Violence will not be forgotten.....and will NOT go unnoticed! Relatives, friends & supporters are Welcome! Everyone bring gourds, bells, drums etc., for noise! This March is being sponsored by and held on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community in Mesa/Scottsdale Arizona. The committee is seeking sponsoring funds in the amount of $3,000 and have raised $800 dollars to date. If you wish to participate in or contribute to this very worthy cause....please contact Meldon Fulwilder (602) 969-1601. Donations can be made to: SRPMIC - Malcolm Joey Watuema Fund Salt River Finance Rt. 1 Box 216 Scottsdale, Arizona 85256 Acct# 101-0000-2540 The March Committee is not responsible for theft, damage or injury. No drugs, alcohol or weapons. Warriors needed to help provide security. Any additional questions can be sent to GRDancer@aol.com ---------------------------------------------- Date: Sun, 19 May 1996 17:22:34 -0400 From: woodowl@aol.com Subj: 4th Annual Monacan Powwow - June 1-2, 1996 Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) 4th Annual Monacan Powwow - 1996 Presented by the Monacan Indian Nation, and held at the Sedalia Center, in Big Island, Bedford County, VA Saturday - June 1, 1996 10 AM - 9 PM Sunday - June 2, 1996 10 AM - 6 PM Competitive dancing ($7000 in prize money) - Live buffalo - Native storytelling with Dovie Thomason (Lakota/Kiowa) - Native flute playing - Hoop dancer - Tipi village with "1850's Sioux-styled" tipi - Arts and crafts - Native foods - Aztec dancers - Guests from 20 different nations of Turtle Island Powwow will be held rain or shine Admission: Adults - $6.00 Children - $3.00 Children under 5 free All monies to benefit the Monacan Indian Tribe, for purchase of land on sacred Bear Mountain! Directions: From Northern VA, via I-81, take the 60 East exit (Buena Vista). In Buena Vista, take 501 south toward Big Island. Take 122 south 6.3 miles to the Sedalia Center. > From the south via I-81, take the 460 East exit (Lynchburg). Take Bedford exit north on 122, 10.3 miles to the Sedalia Center. > From Richmond or points east, take 60 west, 460 west, or I-64 west and 29 south to Lynchburg. At Lynchburg take 501 north about 23 miles to 122, then south on 122 6.3 miles to the Sedalia Center. The telephone number at the center is 804-299-5080. For further information call: George Whitewolf, 804-929-6911 or Tracy Whitewolf, 804-929-0334 ------------------------------------- Date: Sun, 19 May 1996 13:26:33 -0400 From: dpsquigg@acs.eku.edu Subj: Journey back to the Heart Pow Wow Mailing List: NATCHAT (natchat@gnosys.svle.ma.us) Journey Back to the Heart Pow Wow Oct 11, 12, 13, 1996 Irvine McDowell Park Richmond Ky 40475 For more Info 606.622.1063 dpsquigg@acs.eku.edu --------------------------------- Date: Mon, 20 May 1996 23:35:27 -1000 From: exec@hawaii-nation.org (Scott Crawford) Subj: Native Hawaiian speaking tour (21 May - 1 June, U.S. east coast) Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) VOICES OF SOVEREIGNTY NATIVE HAWAIIAN SPEAKING TOUR May 21 - June 1, 1996 New York, Boston, Washington D.C., Philadelphia ABOUT THE SPEAKING TOUR: The movement among Na Kanaka Maoli (native Hawaiians) for self determination and sovereignty has been gaining momentum. As organizations seeking to offer support and solidarity, the Community Relations Division and the Hawai`i Area Office of the American Friends Service Committee and the Division of American Missionary Association of The United Church of Christ Board of Homeland Ministries are sponsoring this speaking tour to promote public awareness and understanding of this vital justice issue. TOUR OBJECTIVES - To inform people about how the independent and sovereign nation of Hawai`i was illegally taken by the United States in 1893 and how that action has affected native Hawaiians throughout this century. - To illuminate the sovereignty movement, its current status and aspirations - To present the self determination and sovereignty movement in Hawai`i as part of an international movement of self determination among indigenous peoples and in the context of the U.S. colonial thrust of a century ago. - To explore additional contacts and future communications and develop support among people concerned about the sovereignty struggle. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS KALEO PATTERSON is a kanaka maoli whose taro roots struggles include evictions, protecting sacred sites, demilitarization, and sovereignty. As a kahu ordained in the United Church of Christ, Patterson is committed to the transformation of church in society in and through the Hawaiian sovereignty movement. He carried a key role in calling the "missionaries" church to initiate an Apology and process of Redress for the church's role in the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian nation. Patterson has served churches in Maine and Hawai`i and is currently on the pastoral team of Kaumakapili Church, one of the earlist Christian churches formed among native Hawaiians. He directs the Hawai`i Ecumenical Coalition, the only church-related na kanaka maoli justice initiative. Patterson serves on the Native American Legal Rights Fund Board of Directors. KU`UMEAALOHA GOMES is a kanaka maoli leader long engaged in public health in rural and native Hawaiian communities. She works for justice with incredible energy and compassion. Her work for sovereignty, gay rights, access to health and education for the poor is well known. Gomes' commitment to non-violence and a culturally-based consensus decision-making process has put her in the center of current efforts to gain support for this process to replace a state-sponsored "native Hawaiian vote" on how to move forward on sovereignty. Gomes is Director of Kua`ana Student Services, a program for native Hawaiian students at the University of Hawai`i. She is a doctoral candidate in political science. Gomes helped found Na Mamo o Hawai`i, an organization for gays and lesbians to be advocates for social change. She has been an AFSC volunteer since 1980. PROGRAM SITES Friday, May 24 11:30 am to 1:00 pm Tip O'Neill Federal Bldg. 10 Causeway St., Boston Co-Sponsors: Wahi Ku Moku - Boston Hawaiian Club EPA, New England Chapter 7:00 - 9:00 pm Read House Appian Way, Cambridge, Harvard Square Co-Sponsor: Native American Program, Harvard Univ. Graduate School of Education Saturday, May 25 9:30 - 11:30 am First Church, Cambridge Congregational 11 Garden St., Cambridge, MA Sunday, May 26 Evening 35 New Boston Rd, S. Royalston, MA WASHINGTON D.C. Tuesday, May 28 10:00 am - 12:00 noon United Methodist Bldg 100 Maryland Ave., N.E., Washington DC Wednesday, May 29 2:00 - 4:00 pm United Methodist Bldg 100 Maryland Ave., N.E., Washington DC 7:00 - 9:00 pm Davis House 1822 R St., N.W. Washington, DC PHILADELPHIA Friday, May 31 7:30 - 9:30 pm Friends Center 1501 Cherry Street, Philadelphia Saturday, June 1 Afternoon Friends Center 1501 Cherry Street, Philadelphia Sponsored by the Community Relations Division and the Hawai`i Area Office of the American Friends Service Committee and the American Missionary Association of The United Church of Christ Board of Homeland Ministries. FOR MORE INFORMATION about the tour and venues, please contact the AFSC Community Relations Division, 1500 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, (215)241-7131, (215)241-7119 (fax), or AFSC-Hawai`i, 2426 O`ahu Avenue, Honolulu, Hawai`i, 96822, (808)988-6266, (808)988-4876 (fax). ___________________________________________________________ | Hawai`i - Independent & Sovereign | | exec@hawaii-nation.org http://www.hawaii-nation.org/ | |___________________________________________________________| "The cause of Hawaii and independence is larger and dearer than the life of any man connected with it. Love of country is deep- seated in the breast of every Hawaiian, whatever his station." - Queen Lili`uokalani --------- "RE: Stop Execution of Yaqui" --------- Date: Sat, 18 May 1996 08:07:44 -0700 From: aimca@igc.apc.org (American Indian Movement) Subj: Stop Execution of Yaqui (San Quentin, California) Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us) STOP THE EXECUTION OF FERNANDO EROS CARO Fernando Eros Caro is a Yaqui (traditionally called Yoeme) Indian on Death Row in San Quentin, California, State Prison. During his incarceration, Fernando has taught himself to paint after initial instruction through a program offered at the prison. His beautiful murals help create a family environment in the San Quentin visiting room, and his paintings have been exhibited at the 1992 Art in Chains Show at the Mission Cultural Center in San Francisco, and at galleries in Geneva, Oslo, and Rome. When Fernando arrived on Death Row, he had no idea what to expect. He had an enormous amount of time on his hands with nothing to do, so he began to draw with a short golf pencil that was provided to him. He first drew animals, then faces. He found out drawing occupied his mind and his time, helped him relax, and provided a temporary escape from his repressive surroundings. As time went on he learned to paint. His artwork became his friend and a means of support. It's a strange coincidence that he would probably never have realized his talent had he not ended up on Death Row. His discovery of his ability came about from the necessity for his brain to do something other than stare at four walls-and a golf pencil set his direction. The human spirit can be extremely strong. It is clear to see why a person's spirit is constantly being attacked by factions inside the prison. Once the spirit is broken, the body follows, and the person becomes easier to control. He uses the mystic deer of Yaqui tradition as his foundation. It provides a cause, a belief, a source of strength, and a connection with his ancestral origins. Fernando Caro was born into a farm worker family in Brawley, California, in 1949 which was a rigidly segregated agricultural community at the time. He grew up in a make shift house outside of town, surrounded by fields, irrigation ditches, and animals stockyards. He worked in the fields during his youth and adolescence Nevertheless, he was the first member of his family to graduate from high school and enter college. He later joined the Marine Corps, married, and is the father of 3 children, Daniel, Isabel, and Jesse. He was arrested for murder in 1980, and although he pled not guilty, was sentenced to death in 1982. His case is currently under appeal due to the many irregularities in his trial. Fernando's attorneys need money and volunteers for investigation and testing. Please send contributions to assist in stopping this senseless execution. Fernando E. Caro Defense Account c/o American Indian Movement 3145 Geary Blvd. #517 San Francisco, California 94118 Phone (415) 386-4373 Also Contact the American Indian Movement to obtain paintings of Fernando Caro and other Native American Prisoner artist. --------- "RE: Unity" --------- Date: Wed, 15 May 1996 12:08:47 -0400 From: ishgooda@tdi.net (Ishgooda) Subj: Unity Mailing List: NATCHAT (natchat@gnosys.svle.ma.us) The following is being posted by Ishgooda for Nicolette: Last night a friend said that he was a loser. There is not a song to be sung or a dance to be done that would stop him from believing what he said. Every day I hear people say words that keep them from offering the gifts Gitchi Manitou bestowed upon them because they believe they are not "good enough" or they can't "do anything right" or "nobody cares". If you give up the time to listen to the reasons they say and think these things they will tell you it is because of the way they were raised, or because of what whiteman has done, or because of their mate or the church or some other reason. I have been taught that reasons make good stories, not good people. It doesn't matter what first happened to you when you met an enemy. It is YOUR enemy and finding out where it came from most times only creates blame, not victory over the enemy. I have called my enemy many names: Hate, Resentment, Jealousy, Anger, Loneliness. His true name, for me, is Shame and because I listened to Shame tell me that I was less than anyone with blonde hair and fine pale features everything I thought or did was also less, I offered nothing good and did my best to stay away from people emotionally and physically. When I listened and HEARD the Truth that Gitchi Manitou does not make useless things I had to wonder why I believed what Shame kept telling me. Shame is still my enemy but I do not have to listen to him or expect others to say and do things that make me feel good. Other people cannot defeat your enemy for you. Every time you hear your enemy tell you what you are or do is not important and you believe it, it keeps you separate from the People. Every time your enemy tells you, you have nothing to contribute and you believe it, it keeps you separate from the People. Every time your enemy tells you you are helpless because others have control over how you feel about yourself and you believe it, it keeps you from giving to the People. Last night I saw how these personal enemies, that keep people separate and lonely, are the true enemies of Unity. We are a Strong Spiritual People. The Truth in our teachings is again being heard by many. If there's truth in these words for you, ask for direction to lead you to Community, Unity and Belonging to the People. You will be shown a way to understand your personal enemy. You will be shown a way to defeat him that does not make others responsible for your success. In gratitude, Nicolette <<<<=-=-=-=-=-{{{{}}}}-=-=-=-=-=>>>> Maori saying "The trees, speaking one to the other said' Watch out for the axe handle, he is one of us, you know.'" <<<<=-=-=-=-=-{{{{}}}}-=-=-=-=-=>>>> --------- "RE: Evolution" --------- Date: Thu, 16 May 1996 00:39:04 -0500 From: bbrigham@icis.on.ca Subj: Evolution Mailing List: NATCHAT (natchat@gnosys.svle.ma.us) I've been reading the running commentary on evolution, wannabees, ICWA, Non-natives ...and I have decided to add my 2 cents. Here are some radical thoughts. A Cree Elder once told me that if you took the sacred pipe and a bible and left them out on the plains for one year, what would be there when you returned? If you see Gushe Ake(Mother Earth) from space as did my ancestors and as do my contemporaries who travel in spirit, what do you see? How do migratory birds or fish know where to go? How many birds still sing the same way they did thousands of years ago? Is an eight hour day/40 hour week relevant anywhere else in the universe as it is in the artificial western-man created time zone? What I know about myself and my people is simply that we are born who we are and we live on an Island surrounded by 2 countries that were founded on the blood of our people. What makes us different from any other ethnic race here on our Island is simply that we did not get off the boat yesterday or hundreds or thousands of years ago. You cannot study anywhere to become one of us. Our spiritual power exists because Kitchee Manitou gave us certain responsibilities. We have relatives on land, in the water and in the sky who have as much right to life as we do. In fact, most of what we have learned about life and survival we have learned from them. Could we survive without Grandfather sun, Mother earth, or any of our animal, plant and bird relatives? I do know they could all survive perfectly fine without us. I personally wish that the earth could revert to being "uncivilized". Civilization has brought us hunger, racism, weapons of mass destruction, religious disharmony, oppression, greed and of course money. Instead of the simple practice of giving back when you take, we have poison in our rivers and in the air and in the food we eat. Instead of the practice of decision making in terms of the seventh generation yet unborn we have short term linear decision making from those in control in the dominant society. I do not believe that Western Man or anyone whose belief systems are founded in the Judeo-Christian tradition will ever understand us or our ways. Our relationship with the earth and the world around us is diametrically opposite to the foundations of the so called "dominant society" Anishnabeque. Aneeshnabemdaa meenwa. --------- "RE: New Age or Old Prophecy" --------- Date: Sat, 18 May 1996 20:49:44 -0400 From: ishgooda@tdi.net (Ishgooda) Subj: New Age or Old Prophecy Mailing List: NATCHAT (natchat@gnosys.svle.ma.us) All things birthed by Mother Earth are beautiful. Some of us remain in awe of all that is and are driven to offer up praise and prayer at any given moment. Others see all that is beautiful and instead of enjoying the very wonderment that these things are here, they "buy" or steal them then expect praise to be offered to them because they "own" beautiful things. These people do not stop. Now they covet the very core of our beings. I have nightmares where I see Spirituality Certificates and Documents hanging on den walls like trophies complete with names and dates. (John Running Fox/Shamrocky reservation/Spirituality purchased 1996), along with sacred pipes, ghost shirts, mandalas, dream catchers and souvenirs from the Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves, and Washington Red Skins. I have heard enough anger and frustration from those who are demanding explanations as to why they cannot find anyone to "teach" them spirituality. Here is one explanation I personally like. The words are my fathers. "Teach me chocolate!" The young man demanded of his elder. "I will do anything, pay any price you want me to. Just please, teach me chocolate." The elder asked, "Have you ever gotten your own chocolate and experienced it for yourself?" "Well, no, but you've had chocolate since you were a child and I'm just starting out. I've never had chocolate and I wouldn't know where to begin. I don't even know what it looks like, so why can't you just teach me ?" Putting a piece of chocolate into his mouth, the elder smiled and ignored the young man. In frustration the young man begged. "Can you at least tell me where to buy a book about chocolate?" Nicolette <<<<=-=-=-=-=-{{{{}}}}-=-=-=-=-=>>>> Maori saying "The trees, speaking one to the other said' Watch out for the axe handle, he is one of us, you know.'" <<<<=-=-=-=-=-{{{{}}}}-=-=-=-=-=>>>> --------- "RE: New Age or Old Prophecy" --------- Date: Fri, 17 May 1996 15:11:07 -0500 From: eaglerok@northernnet.com (feather eaglerock) Subj: New Age or Old Prophecy Mailing List: NATCHAT (natchat@gnosys.svle.ma.us) O'siyo, Indeed, "the past cannot be wiped away" and we need to be ever aware that "now" is the "past" of our grandchildren's grandchildren. We are peoples who are recovering from generations of genocide mandated by federal indian policies. The policies continue, the politicians just keep coming up with fancier words and variations of the same old ethnocentric guiding principles of their forefathers . The boarding schools and mission schools did more than take the Indian languages away. They severely damaged our ability to communicate. We learned not only to speak only in english but to speak only when spoken too. We learned that speaking up made things worse for us and for those around us. Children could no longer understand their elders, elders could not understand the children. We still have many elders on the rez who do not speak up about what they need, for fear that what they already have will be taken away. Our families, our communities and our nations are all in different stages of recovery from the american holocaust. I see on this list, some people take offense to being called "white". Trust me, that is not the worst thing that your people have been called by any given Indian community. We keep hearing this argument here on this rez, about not "alienating" the white people in the community. And the very bottom line is--that they are aliens anyway. They may be second, third and fourth generation aliens but aliens non-the-less. And people who don't like Indians don't need to live on Indian reservations. This thread is called "new age or old prophecy"--I think the prophecy being referred to is about People coming forth to listen to and share our concerns about our Mother Earth, and the destruction of the environment. ? feather eaglerock, leech lake rez english is a foreign language. reclaim the language of your people and send it to the future as your gift to your grandchildren's grandchildren. di-ka-ne'-tsv a'-qua-tse'-li ha-htv-gi, wa-do' do-da-da-go'-hv --------- "RE: Questionnaire: Television Media and NAs" --------- Date: Thu, 16 May 1996 18:09:10 -0400 From: aconcert@carroll.com (Joe Campagna) Subj: Television Media and Native Americans: Questionnaire Mailing List: NATCHAT (natchat@gnosys.svle.ma.us) [Editorial Note: This posting is altered slightly from that originally posted to NATCHAT at the request of the originator, Joe Campagna. gary] NATIVE AMERICAN TELEVISION BROADCASTING The effort is centered around pulling together American Indian people from all nations; elders, professionals, representatives from Native American Colleges, Indian film and theater organizations, funding organizations, and tribal governments, and people like yourself. Ultimately, a meeting place at a central location will provide a forum for Indian people to present ideas and discuss development of a people's television network. This effort is being undertaken along the internet, and via the regular (snail) mail. Would like to throw a few questions out to see what response bounces back. All will be printed and assembled into folders and delivered to Native American leaders and educators to discuss the creation of a Native American television broadcasting network. Messages will be printed as delivered. Return snail mail addresses are optional. All replies will be submitted in their entirety. If you would like to add your own views not covered by the questions also do so. YOUR INPUT AND FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT - address: aconcert@carroll.com 1. Does the prospect of a Native American television network appeal to you? 2. Should traditional Indian law play a major (if not the main role) in the founding of any Native American Television company and its rules of operation, or by-laws? 3. Do you feel that current commercial television programming contributes to cultural dissimilation, and how? 4. Do you feel television can help as a tool for restoring traditional language and culture/values? How? 5. Do you feel that Native television/film productions and syndicated shows can be a source of economic development? Some ways? 6. Does the television media ignore Native American issues in the news? 7. Do you feel that current television programming helps to instill negative behavior in Native young people, if so how? 9. Is public access important to you with regard to programming on Native television? 10. Do you feel that programming should be determined by: (choose as many as you like and use percentages when more than one.) a) ___A Native/non-Native corporation who holds critical shares. ___% b) ___The local tribal government. ___% c) ___The bia. ___% d) ___The people in a given broadcast area. ___% e) ___The colleges. ___% 11. a) Do you believe that the US government and institutions like the world bank have influence over the news and television programming? (b) How would you propose keeping out such influences with regard to Native American television programming? 12. Name some types of programming you would like to see. 13. Given four channels in each area, how many of those channels should be: a)Public Access ____ b)College Education _____ c)Culture/Language ______ d)Commercial ________ 14. Would you tolerate some commercials on all channels? Should non-Indian companies use Native American actors in their commercials? 15. How many Native people do you know #___own a television set compared to #___how many that don't. Or just estimate a percentage ______%. 16. What age would you estimate most children start watching television? 17. Do you feel that any part of your life has been influenced by television? 18. What is your age? 19. Do you feel that Native American television would/should pay better attention to environmental issues than the current media? 20. Are you in favor of an annual world concert as a fundraiser for monetary resources needed to establish and expand working systems. 21. __Are you a Native American (indigenous American) (American Indian): __Are you other: Thank you for your participation. Send reply to: aconcert@carroll.com Home page under construction: http://www.jlc.net/~jcatlin/interworld/ Text for proposed fundraising concert with broadcasting project information: http://www.cris.com/~Nlthomas/lists/unite.html http://www.jlc.net/~jcatlin/interworld/nab.htm Page reserved for internet multi-media broadcasting and internet to airwave broadcasting. =END=